New York City’s buildings account for 80 percent of greenhouse gases produced by the Big Apple. Mayor Bloomberg’s PlaNYC calls for a 30 percent reduction in emissions by 2030, and his administration has implemented dozens of initiatives to accomplish this, many of which are directed at buildings. Most recently, the city launched the Urban Technology Innovation Center for Green Buildings to fast track sustainable building practices, and now officials have announced the launch of NYC Green House, a training program and comprehensive online resource to help apartment building owners make their buildings more eco-friendly.

Created by the Department of Housing Preservation and Development and the Community Preservation Corporation, NYC Green House is a one stop shop for owners of multi-family buildings that want to go green. The program offers information on how to make existing apartment buildings more energy efficient to help lower costs and reduce emissions. It’s broken down into four categories: energy, water, materials, and community. Each category offers specific tips, like wrapping the hot water heater in insulation to save energy and planting street trees to reduce stormwater runoff, and links to products they should use, like Energy Star appliances and green building materials.

Photo credit: Ed Yourdon

The site also offers a detailed list of tax incentives and financial assistance programs to ensure that all types of apartment buildings, from affordable to luxury, can go green. In the near future, HPD staff and community organizations will offer training workshops specific to each of the categories.

“Our data proves that rising utility costs contribute heavily to the rise in the cost of living and renting in New York City,” said HPD Commissioner Rafael E. Cestero in a published statement. “This new educational program will help building owners identify the measures they can take to ensure their buildings operate more efficiently.”

David Bragdon, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability, added, “We will only achieve our ambitious goals in PlaNYC if building owners, and all citizens, take action. NYC Green House provides individuals with the practical information they need to save money, promote public health, and create greener, greater communities.”

NYC Green House is funded through a grant from HSBC Bank USA. Sponsors include the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Con Edison, National Grid, Enterprise Green Communities, Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) NYC, NYC CoolRoofs, the Pratt Center for Community Development, NYCHA and the American Lung Association.